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The oral health status of children undergoing hemodialysis treatment

Fahinur Ertuğrul1, Ciğdem Elbek-Cubukçu, Ertuğrul Sabah

  • 1Department of Pedodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.

The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
|August 19, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) exhibit lower oral bacteria levels and higher salivary buffer capacity, potentially explaining their reduced risk of dental caries. Despite this, oral health education remains crucial for these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Oral Health
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) often present with unique oral health profiles.
  • Previous observations suggest a lower prevalence of dental caries in this population, but the underlying mechanisms require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the oral status of children with ESRD.
  • To determine the causes of low caries prevalence in children with ESRD.
  • To compare oral health parameters between children with ESRD and a healthy control group.

Main Methods:

  • The study included 38 children (aged 4-17 years) with ESRD and a control group (n=38).
  • Oral status was assessed using the Cariogram (CRT) bacteria and buffer test.
  • Dmft, DMFT, gingival, and plaque indices were compared between groups.

Main Results:

  • Children with ESRD showed significantly lower dmft and improved gingival status compared to controls.
  • High salivary buffer capacity (89.5%) and significantly lower levels of cariogenic Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli were observed in the ESRD group.
  • Severe enamel hypoplasia was noted in the ESRD group, though DMFT and plaque indices did not differ significantly.

Conclusions:

  • Increased salivary urea concentrations in children with ESRD may contribute to reduced cariogenic microorganisms, explaining the lower caries prevalence.
  • Despite a lower need for dental treatment, these children require comprehensive oral health education and hygiene instruction to optimize their overall oral well-being.

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